Arlyn G. Riskind      
Director, Media Relations     
Phone: (301) 941-0240      
Email: ariskind@endo-society.org

Aaron Lohr
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: (240) 482-1380
Email: alohr@endo-society.org

Briefing, titled “Endocrine Disruption: Modern Science Unveils How Chemicals Can Act as Hormones,” presents current state of science in the field

Chevy Chase, MD—The Endocrine Society and Pew Health Group co-hosted a Capitol Hill briefing for congressional staff in Washington, D.C., to discuss the effects and impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including what is known, what still needs to be learned and the need for congressional action. The congressional sponsors of the briefing were Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ), Rep. Henry Waxman (CA), Rep. Bobby Rush (IL) and Rep. James P. Moran (VA).

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances in the environment that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism or action resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. Many of these chemicals are designed, produced and marketed largely for specific industrial purposes. They are also found in some natural foods and may become further concentrated as foods are processed.

"Endocrine-disrupting chemicals represent a significant health concern and their use has been so widespread that everyone has some level of exposure," said R. Thomas Zoeller, PhD, an author of The Endocrine Society's Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals. "The Endocrine Society is calling for endocrinologists, toxicologists, epidemiologists and environmental scientists to work with federal agencies and legislators to develop comprehensive screening programs for all chemicals and regulations governing EDCs in manufactured products, the food supply and the environment."

Dr. Zoeller and fellow presenters, Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, Director, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences and John Peterson Myers, PhD, Chief Scientist and CEO, Environmental Health Sciences, explained how EDCs can factor into a number of adverse health conditions that are on the rise including pediatric obesity, asthma, autoimmune disease and infertility. 

Presenters also discussed the need for comprehensive toxicity testing, including screening chemicals for their endocrine-disrupting properties, and for regulations or bans on chemicals shown to have an adverse impact.

Endocrinologists have a valuable and unique insight into the impact of EDCs, and modern endocrinology has greatly advanced the body of scientific knowledge in this field in the past decade. The Endocrine Society published its Scientific Statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in 2009. The Scientific Statement, available at www.endo-society.org/journals/scientificstatements, presents evidence on the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as well as recommendations for increasing understanding and raising awareness of these effects.

 

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.